Not solely based on economics; the desire to ride what the pros have is also there. It's why Americans starting riding racing bikes in the 70's in the first place. Of course, they had to have stem shifters and turkey levers, too.
My Orbea has a slight slope to the top tube; My Bianchi does not. The Orbea is a faster, more nimble bike but it is also lighter and has 19 more gears.
Definitely wouldn't kick this out of the garage:
Or this either:
slope, no slope; it's all good.